Characterization of a Novel Polymeric Bioflocculant Produced from Bacterial Utilization of n-Hexadecane and Its Application in Removal of Heavy Metals

Abstract

A novel polymeric bioflocculant was produced by a bacterium utilizing degradation
of n-hexadecane as the energy source. The bioflocculant was produced with a
bioflocculating activity of 87.8%. The hydrocarbon degradation was confirmed by
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and was further supported with
contact angle measurements for the changes in hydrophobic nature of the culture
medium. A specific aerobic degradation pathway followed by the bacterium during
the bioflocculant production and hydrocarbon utilization process has been proposed.
FT-IR, SEM-EDX, LC/MS, and 1H NMR measurements indicated the presence of
carbohydrates and proteins as the major components of the bioflocculant. The
bioflocculant was characterized for its carbohydrate monomer constituents and its
practical applicability was established for removing the heavy metals (Ni2C, Zn2C, Cd2C,
Cu2C, and Pb2C) from aqueous solutions at concentrations of 1–50 mg L????1. The highest
activity of the bioflocculant was observed with Ni2C with 79.29 0.12% bioflocculation
efficiency.